Senior Optical Engineer - Eyewear & Defense Optics

Gentex Corporation; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Gentex Corporation in Simpson, Pennsylvania, seeks an Optical Engineer to lead the design, modeling, and characterization of advanced optical eyewear systems for ballistic, laser, and display applications. The role focuses on linking optics physics with materials and coatings to deliver production-ready solutions.

You will develop models, plan experiments, and guide programs from concept through transfer to production, mentoring teams and coordinating with customers and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Physics, Optical Science/Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline with an optics focus.
• Ten (10) or more years of experience in optical applications; experience leading complex technical programs is strongly preferred.
• Experience with optical technologies for eyewear, laser protection, imaging, or display applications is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and analysis of optical eyewear lenses and components for ballistic protection, laser protection, and display applications.
• Develop and refine optical models that link design parameters, materials, coating stacks, and process conditions to system performance.
• Plan and execute laboratory experiments to characterize optical components and systems and correlate results with models and product requirements.
• Serve as technology lead and principal investigator for key government and commercial optics programs.
• Mentor engineers, scientists, and technicians and interface with customers and partners.

Skills

Optical design

Physical optics

Geometrical optics

Optical modeling

Spectroscopic techniques

Data-driven problem solving

Customer communication

Project management

Education

Master’s or PhD in Optical Science/Engineering

Tools

Zemax/OpticStudio

MS Project

MS Office

Job description

Gentex Corporation in Simpson, Pennsylvania, seeks an Optical Engineer to lead the design, modeling, and characterization of advanced optical eyewear systems for ballistic, laser, and display applications. The role focuses on linking optics physics with materials and coatings to deliver production-ready solutions.

You will develop models, plan experiments, and guide programs from concept through transfer to production, mentoring teams and coordinating with customers and stakeholders.